“I understand,” he finally says, standing taller.
“Very good. I must insist that you leave immediately. Though we aren’t at war with the Autumn Court, we still don’t wish to cross paths with them. Not when ussha is still spreading and our main focus is on protecting our people as they migrate into human and orc lands. Do you possess the magic to summon messenger birds?”
“Of course, we will depart immediately, and yes, I have the ability to summon messenger birds.”
“Excellent. I expect you to send daily reports about your progress to King Theron.”
“Consider it done.” He offers me a deep nod, and I’m relieved that he doesn’t seem suspicious about my order.
But the truth is, it would be helpful to learn the location of the Autumn Court army. Just as ussha began spreading into human and orc lands, the kings of each court agreed that the four armies should remain spread across the realm. The more spread out the armies, the better protected the new fae settlements will be.
After ensuring that the other four soldiers understand my orders, I depart the bathing alcoves and join Isabel near the fire. She shoots me a questioning look.
All is well, I tell her.They are leaving soon.
What did you say to them? Are they angry you’re making them leave?she asks.
Smirking, I reach out to smooth an errant lock of hair behind her ear.I simply ordered them to learn the whereabouts of the Autumn Court army, a task they are eager to complete, I tell her.If they are successful, it will earn them favor with King Theron.
She nods slowly, and I sense her relief through the bond. She leans into my touch and emits a soft sigh.
At the sound of footsteps, I press a quick kiss on Isabel’s forehead before rising to my feet. I accompany my comrades to the front of the cave. Outside, the winter wind howls and flurries drift down from the sky, a sharp contrast to the warmth inside the cavern with its blazing torches and crackling fire.
I exchange a few parting words with the males, then I step back and watch as they all summon wings and launch into the night sky. It’s a relief to see them disappear into the darkness.
After returning to Isabel’s side, I stand with my hands out as I once again reshape the boundaries of the protective ward. The line of frost shifts into a straight line across the entrance of the cave. Drawing upon the most powerful magic I possess, I reinforce the ward again and again until I’m nearly drained of energy.
Panting for breath, I sink down beside Isabel.
She places a hand on my shoulder and peers at me with concern. “Are you all right, Gideon?”
“I’ll be fine, little moth. Please don’t worry.” Sleep. My eyes grow heavy. I need sleep. When I wake in the morning, the full strength of my powers should be restored.
I know Isabel heard my thoughts when she starts pushing me down on the bedroll. She even tucks a pillow beneath my head and pulls one of the furs over me.
The last thing I remember before sleep claims me is Isabel leaning down to place a soft, lingering kiss on my forehead.
CHAPTER 15
ISABEL
I lie awake,watching Gideon sleep, unable to quiet my mind enough to find my own rest. I’m stunned that he not only sent his fellow highborn soldiers away, but he drained himself of energy as he reinforced the protective ward at the cave’s entrance. He placed a series of wards, each one behind the other, until he couldn’t stand any longer. Just to keep me safe. Just so I wouldn’t worry that the soldiers might return.
But now, even though I feel perfectly safe, I still can’t sleep.
The firelight dances over Gideon’s handsome, masculine features, and I cannot look away. I watch him carefully, hyper-aware of each breath he takes and his every small movement, even the faintest flutter of his eyelashes. Is he dreaming?
I attempt to reach his mind, but though I sense his presence, the powerful essence of him, I’m not able to detect the specifics of any dreams he might be having.
If our mating bond were fully consummated, would I be able to glimpse his dreams? Hmm. I guess I won’t know the answer tothat question until… until I fully surrender to him. My face heats at the thought.
As I continue watching him sleep, I come to a dawning realization. In the short time I’ve known him, my first impression of him as a highborn fae male has rapidly changed. I can’t honestly claim that I fear him any longer.
Deep in my heart, I know he wants to protect me. I know he would never hurt me, just as I know he wants to make me happy.
As I consider my plans to run away, my resolve falters, and a painful ache spreads through my chest. At the thought of escaping him, breathing becomes difficult. The mere prospect of there being any great distance between us sends a rush of panic through me.
Desperate to quell the aching in my chest, the anguish that tightens whenever I imagine parting ways with Gideon, I shift closer to him beneath the covers, wrap an arm around his waist, and tangle my legs with his. Gradually, the agony in my chest fades, and I start to feel a bit calmer. Not calm enough for sleep, however, and I continue contemplating the dilemma I’m facing.
